The impact of Reform UK on Lincolnshire County Council

drafted 2026-07-06 · accepted

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This council: flagship · Adult Social Care · Asylum and Migration · Children's services and safeguarding · Climate · Council Spending and Efficiency · Devolution and local government reorganisation · Heritage · Housing, planning and local plans · Outsourcing of public services · Renaming and rebranding · Roads, highways and potholes · SEND and home-to-school transport · Support for (or hostility to) women · Waste, recycling and bins

Reform UK has led Lincolnshire County Council since May 2025 (source).

Lincolnshire County Council scrapped its obligatory 2050 carbon-neutrality target and replaced its Green Masterplan with an Environment Policy carrying no binding targets.[1][2] Reform UK's group moved the council's 2026/27 budget, which full Council carried by 38 votes to 20.[3] The budget followed a minimum £25m savings target for 2026/27 and £62.7m of savings identified over the medium-term financial plan.[4][5] As a statutory consultee, the council objected to four large solar and battery-storage schemes proposed on Lincolnshire farmland.[6][7][8][9] Full Council voted to call for public opposition to using sites in Greater Lincolnshire, including RAF Scampton, for asylum accommodation.[10]

Climate and environment

Scrapping the net-zero target

At the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 13 February 2026, Executive Councillor for Environment Danny Brookes introduced a new Environment Policy that scrapped the obligatory 2050 carbon-neutrality target.[1] Members noted the abandonment of the net-zero target and raised concern at the scrapping of the Green Masterplan and the resulting lack of transparency.[1] Councillor Baxter asked for his vote against to be recorded.[1] On 3 March 2026 the Executive formally adopted the revised Environment Policy, replacing the Green Masterplan.[2] The Executive Councillor for Environment stated the administration did not see a need to pursue a net-zero target.[2] Officers confirmed that no actual estate or decarbonisation projects, including the council's solar programme, had been scrapped, and the Executive Councillor said the administration was not opposed in principle to further solar or battery storage, only to installations on farmland.[11]

Objecting to solar farms on farmland

On 9 June 2025 the Planning and Regulation Committee objected to the Springwell Energy Farm, an up-to-800MW solar and battery-storage scheme of which about 42% sat on Best and Most Versatile farmland, by 8 votes to 2 with 3 abstentions.[6] On 14 July 2025 it objected to the One Earth Solar Farm, an up-to-740MW scheme whose Lincolnshire land was about 67% Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, by 14 votes to 1.[7] On 29 September 2025 it objected to the Beacon Fen Energy Park, an up-to-400MW solar scheme with up to 600MW of battery storage affecting about 56% Best and Most Versatile land, by 7 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.[8] On 12 January 2026 it objected to the Fosse Green Energy scheme at Navenby, a 240MW solar facility with battery storage on predominantly agricultural land, by 10 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions.[9]

Budget and savings

In June 2025 the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board was told officers were working to a minimum £25m savings target for 2026/27, and it endorsed the report for Executive decision.[4] On 6 January 2026 the Executive approved the initial 2026/27 budget proposals, and the Chief Finance Officer confirmed £62.7m of savings identified over the medium-term financial plan.[5] Full Council adopted the 2026/27 budget on 20 February 2026.[3] The budget was moved by Reform UK's Councillor Catton and seconded by Councillor Matthews, and was carried by 38 votes to 20 with 1 abstention.[3]

Asylum accommodation

On 12 September 2025 full Council voted to call on the Leader and Executive to publicly oppose Government proposals to use sites in Greater Lincolnshire, including RAF Scampton, for asylum-seeker accommodation.[10] A Reform UK amendment to a Conservative motion was carried by 38 votes to 14 with 11 abstentions, and the motion as amended was then agreed.[10] The resolution asked the Leader to write to Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer opposing any use of RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation.[10] Three days earlier, at the Growth Scrutiny Committee on 9 September 2025, the Executive Councillor reiterated the administration's opposition to RAF Scampton being used for asylum accommodation and said the Council had already written to the Secretary of State pressing to unlock the site for economic use instead.[12]

Adult social care

The care precept

Lincolnshire set a 2.9% council tax increase for 2026/27, inclusive of a 2% precept for adult social care.[13] The Executive recommended it on 3 February 2026 and full Council approved the budget on 20 February 2026, setting the County Council element for a Band D property at £1,673.01.[13]

Provider fees

On 3 March 2026 the Executive set the 2026/27 provider Usual Cost rates for residential, nursing, learning disability, mental health and other adult care, with effect from 1 April 2026.[14] Officers said the uplift combined a 4.1% rise in staffing costs, reflecting the National Living Wage rising to £12.71, with a 3.8% inflation forecast on non-pay costs, part funded by a £2.2m ASC Fair Pay Grant.[14] The Executive's report noted that even after the uplift Lincolnshire's fee rates were among the lowest in the country.[15] 98 providers responded to that year's fee consultation, a much larger response than usual, and rates were adjusted on that feedback.[15]

Charging

The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee questioned the £23,250 means tested capital threshold for care charges in September 2025, noting it was not adjusted for inflation.[16] Officers confirmed the threshold would not change, because national proposals for a cap on care costs had been repeatedly paused, so Lincolnshire's charging policy was not altered.[16]

In-house services

A decision report proposed to cease Lincolnshire's buildings-based short breaks and emergency respite service for adults with a learning disability, run from two council-owned properties, Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham and Cedar House in Spalding.[17] The plan would replace it with places purchased across up to 12 residential and nursing care locations.[17] The stated rationale was that the buildings were not purpose-designed and needed unbudgeted fire-safety investment, Swallow Lodge having closed temporarily in 2024 after failing fire safety standards, and that a dispersed model offered care closer to home.[17] The proposal is a recommended decision, not a completed closure, with the Executive Councillor's decision due on 13 May 2026.[17] The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee considered the plan on 29 April 2026, and a number of members recorded they would not support it, though the Committee resolved to pass its comments to the Executive Councillor rather than block the recommendation.[18]

Children's services

Lincolnshire proposed ceasing the Best Start Lincolnshire: Inclusion Service, a non-statutory early years service for ethnic minority children, at the end of its contract on 31 August 2026.[19] Officers told the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 March 2026 that the contract's £129,536 would not be ring-fenced for another service, while universal services through family hubs and children's centres remained available to all children.[19] Lincolnshire also moved to end the standalone Edge of Care Service contract with Safe Families on 30 June 2026.[20] The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee heard on 24 April 2026 that national reforms, particularly the Families First for Children Pathfinder and family hubs, had produced a strengthened, centralised family help model that had reduced the need for a standalone service.[20]

SEND and home-to-school transport

Lincolnshire's scrutiny and audit committees recorded a home-to-school transport transformation built on route optimisation, contract changes and a new Panacea e-auction purchasing system to reduce contract costs.[21] No change to transport eligibility or charging was recorded in the period.[21]

Roads and highways

The Executive proposed creating a £4m Highway Improvement Fund in the 2026/27 budget on 3 February 2026 to target drainage issues and potholes, alongside a £0.5m Community Fund, and members welcomed the additional funding.[22] Full Council approved the 2026/27 revenue budget, service revenue budgets and capital programme on 20 February 2026.[23] At the same meeting, a Conservative amendment to transfer a further £10m from the Volatility Reserve to the highways maintenance budget, focused on permanent repairs and preventative maintenance, was put to a recorded vote and fell.[24]

Waste and recycling

As the Waste Disposal Authority, Lincolnshire was not eligible for the government's New Burdens funding for Simpler Recycling but committed £9.6m of its own money to waste infrastructure upgrades to meet its statutory duty to accept segregated food waste.[25] By April 2026 its facilities were confirmed to be accepting food waste.[25] County scrutiny recorded in February 2026 that three of Lincolnshire's district waste collection authorities would not meet the 2026 food waste collection rollout target, with officers confirming those districts would only join in October to November 2026, after the deadline.[26] Officers attributed the delay to a vehicle procurement shortage created by districts all buying at once.[26] Garden waste collection is a district, not county, function, and Lincolnshire County Council's own committee and Waste Partnership records contain no decision to introduce, increase or retain a garden-waste collection charge.[27] The only garden-waste change recorded in the council's minutes is Boston Borough Council's trial of increased collection frequency, not a charge.[27]

Housing and planning

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority considered its Housing Strategy on 29 April 2026; members recorded concerns that the government's national housing targets were unrealistic, but the Authority went on to endorse the strategy, with only Councillor A Baxter voting against.[28] Lincolnshire County Council, the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority, delayed its Minerals and Waste Local Plan: a consultation timetable approved in 2024 was held up by staffing matters, and on 3 February 2026 the Executive approved a revised timetable running from March 2025 to December 2027.[29]

Outsourcing and contracted services

Adult mental health social care brought back in-house

On 3 March 2026 the Executive resolved to end the Section 75 NHS Act 2006 Agreement under which Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust had delivered the county's adult mental health social care service, for people aged 18 to 64, for over 20 years.[30] The delegated function reverted to the Council, with around 50 staff due to TUPE back in.[30]

IT, occupational health and highways contracts

On 3 June 2025 the Executive approved contracting with a new Strategic Technology Partner to provide a fully managed core IT service, and endorsed restructuring the Council's in-house IT function so that it leverages the external partner's delivery of core IT, cyber security and digital skills.[31] On 8 July 2025 the Executive approved re-procurement of the Council's Occupational Health Services contract, a corporate HR contract due to expire on 31 March 2026 with no further extension options, to be awarded via a four-year framework agreement.[32] A Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee performance report recorded that the county's Highways Works Term Contract with Balfour Beatty had an extension confirmed to 31 March 2032, alongside completion of the re-procurement of the separate Traffic Signals Term Contract, awarded to SWARCO to commence 1 April 2026.[33]

Support for women

Lincolnshire County Council's Community Safety Scrutiny Committee discussed the Section 17 Crime and Disorder Strategy on 25 November 2025; officers confirmed that community-commissioned domestic abuse support services would not be reduced as a result of the new strategy.[34] The strategy was approved by full Council on 19 December 2025.[34] The strategy references initiatives to reduce violence against women and girls; at the Executive's 2 December 2025 meeting, a member suggested this focus should also cover men and boys.[35] At the Community Safety Scrutiny Committee on 31 March 2026, officers told members that domestic abuse safe accommodation provision had been increased and that service needs were continuously monitored.[36]

Renaming and rebranding

Lincolnshire's Environment Scrutiny Committee confirmed on 7 November 2025 that the 'Green Master Programme' had been renamed 'Environmental Policy'.[37] When the resulting Environmental Policy came to the Committee for adoption on 13 February 2026, the Executive Councillor for Environment announced the scrapping of the obligatory 2050 carbon-neutrality target, and members objected that this amounted to 'the scrapping of the Green Masterplan' with a loss of transparency.[37] The council's Audit Committee recorded on 21 July 2025 that the former Corporate Risk and Safety Steering Group (CRSSG) had been replaced by a newly established Strategic Risk Group, taking on responsibility for risk-framework development and oversight.[38] At the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 27 March 2026, officers reported that the Streets Design Code highways design-standards project had been renamed and was now titled 'Better Streets for Lincolnshire.'[39]

References

1. Lincolnshire County Council's new Environment Policy scraps the council's declared 2050 carbon-neutrality / net-zero target. At the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 13 February 2026, Executive Councillor for Environment Danny Brookes introduced the policy by announcing the scrapping of the obligatory 2050 carbon neutrality target; members noted the abandonment of net zero targets and concern at the scrapping of the Green Masterplan, and the Executive Councillor said the administration would still work towards net zero goals but they would no longer be pegged to an obligatory target. Councillor Baxter asked for his vote against to be recorded.
“Members expressed concern with the scrapping of the Green Masterplan and the lack of transparency due to a lack of targets.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“Danny Brookes, the Executive Councillor for Environment introduced the new policy by highlighting key announcements such as the scrapping of the obligatory 2050 carbon neutrality target and prioritisation of agriculture and food security in Lincolnshire.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“The Executive Councillor acknowledged the administration still intended to work towards net zero goals, but they would no longer be pegged to an obligatory target to prevent potential financial burdens on local taxpayers.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“Councillor Baxter requested that his vote of against be recorded in the minutes.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
2. On 3 March 2026 the Executive formally adopted the revised Environment Policy, replacing the Green Masterplan; the Executive Councillor for Environment stated the administration did not see a need to pursue a net zero target. The Executive resolved that the Environment Policy be adopted, confirming the removal of the council's net-zero target in favour of a non-target policy.
“That the Environment Policy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be adopted.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“He stated that the administration did not see a need to pursue a net zero target and strongly opposed the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
3. Lincolnshire County Council formally adopted the Council Budget 2026/27 (including the Council's Financial Strategy at Appendix D of the Budget Book) at full Council on 20 February 2026; the budget was introduced and moved by Reform UK's Councillor T Catton, seconded by Councillor S Matthews, and the original motion as amended was carried by recorded vote 38 for, 20 against, 1 abstention.
“Councillor T Catton introduced the budget and moved the proposals as set out in the report, which was seconded by Councillor S Matthews.” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
“Original Motion by Reform UK Group, as amended Following a discussion, the original motion, as amended, was put to the vote.” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
“FOR: 38 Those voting for: Councillors Baxter, Bean, Beecham, Bridgwood, D Brookes, J Brookes, Carey, Catton, Cheyne, Clegg, Condell, Cullen, Daish, East, Edgoose-Zagorskiy, Findley, French, Gibson, Hastings, Hume, Kelly, King, Litchfield, Lock, Matthews, McGonigle, Oliver, Parkinson, Redfern, Reeve, Roberts, B Robinson, R Robinson, Sheard, Sneath, Whitaker, Wimhurst, Woods AGAINST: 20 Those voting against: Councillors Bamford, Brockway, Carrington, Chapman, Christopher, Clarke, Cleaver, Cooke, Davies, Dilks, Dyer, Hill OBE, Kendrick, Lee, Martin, Mrs Overton MBE, Taylor, Vernon, Woolley, Wright ABSTENTIONS: 1 Those abstaining: Councillor Bunney” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
“approves the Council's Financial Strategy contained in the appended Budget Book (Appendix D – Financial Strategy)” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
4. In June 2025 Lincolnshire's Overview and Scrutiny Management Board was told officers were working to a minimum £25 million savings target for 2026/27 (against a projected £25m budget gap in 2026/27, rising to £55m by 2028/29), ahead of the annual budget-setting process; OSMB unanimously endorsed the report for Executive decision on 8 July 2025.
“He explained that officers were working on proposals to deliver at least £25 million in savings through service-level reviews, contract efficiencies, and administrative reforms.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
“Further questions were raised surrounding the £25m savings target. Officers stated £25m was a minimum target and that heads of service had been asked to prepare scenarios for 5–25% reductions.” Minutes, 26 June 2025 ↗
5. Lincolnshire's Executive formally approved the Council Budget 2026/27 initial proposals on 6 January 2026 (Decision I036259), including the budget savings and cost pressures for 2026/27 set out in Appendix B; at the same meeting the Chief Finance Officer confirmed a headline £62.7m savings figure over the Medium Term Financial Plan as the current identified position.
“That the following elements of the budget for 2025/26 as its initial proposals subject to further consultation and scrutiny, be approved, namely:  The budget requirement as detailed in Table A2 of Appendix A.  The budget savings and cost pressures covering the 2026/27 financial year, as detailed in Appendix B.” Decisions, 6 January 2026 ↗
“On the headline £62.7m savings over the Medium Term Financial Plan, the Chief Finance Officer confirmed this was the current identified position, with further efficiencies” Minutes, 6 January 2026 ↗
6. On 9 June 2025 Lincolnshire County Council's Planning and Regulation Committee resolved to lodge a formal objection to the Springwell Energy Farm Development Consent Order — an up-to-800MW ground-mounted solar and battery-storage NSIP on roughly 1,280 hectares of predominantly agricultural land, ~42% of it Best and Most Versatile — the Council being a statutory consultee, not the determining authority. On a motion by Councillor C L E Vernon, seconded by Councillor T J G Dyer, it was carried 8 in favour, 2 against, 3 abstentions.
“Approximately 42% of the site was classified as Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, with 591 hectares proposed to be covered by solar panels” Minutes, 9 June 2025 ↗
“On a motion proposed by Councillor C L E Vernon, and seconded by Councillor T J G Dyer, it was RESOLVED (8 in favour, 2 against, 3 abstentions) That the Committee informs the Examining Authority of the Council’s objection to the Development Consent Order application as noted in the report.” Minutes, 9 June 2025 ↗
7. On 14 July 2025 the Planning and Regulation Committee resolved to object to the One Earth Solar Farm Development Consent Order — an up-to-740MW solar-plus-BESS NSIP whose Lincolnshire land was ~67% Best and Most Versatile agricultural land — informing the Examining Authority of the County Council's objection alongside submission of its Local Impact Report. On a motion by Councillor P T Lock, seconded by Councillor A C Woodruff, it was carried 14 in favour, 1 against.
“Approximately 67% of the Lincolnshire land was classified as best and most versatile agricultural land, amounting to 137 hectares.” Minutes, 14 July 2025 ↗
“On a motion proposed by Councillor P T Lock, and seconded by Councillor A C Woodruff, it was RESOLVED (14 in favour, 1 against) That the Committee: 1. approves the submission of the Local Impact Report at Appendix B to the One Earth Solar Examining Authority with the updated text on sequential test requirements, and 2. informs the One Earth Solar Examining Authority of the County Council’s objection to the Development Consent Order application, with the amended wording suggested by Members of the Committee.” Minutes, 14 July 2025 ↗
8. On 29 September 2025 the Planning and Regulation Committee resolved to object to the Beacon Fen Energy Park Development Consent Order — an up-to-400MW solar scheme with an up-to-600MW Battery Energy Storage System, affecting around 277 hectares (about 56% of the site) of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land — informing the Examining Authority of the County Council's objection in its written representation. On a motion by Cllr J Bean, seconded by Cllr M J Hill OBE, it was carried 7 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention.
“On a motion proposed by Cllr J Bean, and seconded by Cllr M J Hill OBE, it was RESOLVED (7 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention) a) That the submission of the Local Impact Report (Appendix B) to the Examining Authority for the Beacon Fen Solar DCO examination be approved; and b) That the Examining Authority, in the Council’s written representation, be informed of the County Council’s objection to the DCO application for the reasons set out in the report.” Minutes, 29 September 2025 ↗
“Approximately 277 hectares of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land (Grades 1, 2, 3a) affected around 56% of site, with circa 20 hectares permanently lost to built infrastructure e.g., access corridor.” Minutes, 29 September 2025 ↗
9. On 12 January 2026 the Planning and Regulation Committee resolved to object to the Fosse Green Energy (Navenby) Development Consent Order — a 240MW solar generating facility with a 480MWh Battery Energy Storage System on predominantly agricultural land involving a significant take of Best and Most Versatile land — basing the Council's written representation on those objection reasons. On a motion by Councillor T E Sneath, seconded by Councillor C Edgoose-Zagorskiy, it was carried 10 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions.
“On a motion proposed by Councillor T E Sneath, and seconded by Councillor C Edgoose- Zagorskiy, it was” Minutes, 12 January 2026 ↗
“Agricultural Land and Soils: There would be a significant take of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, with the cumulative effect across multiple large schemes assessed as a county level concern.” Minutes, 12 January 2026 ↗
“RESOLVED (10 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions) That the Local Impact Report be approved for submission to the Fosse Green Examining Authority and that the Council objects to the DCO application for the reasons set out in the report, with the Council’s written representation to be based upon those reasons.” Minutes, 12 January 2026 ↗
10. At Full Council on 12 September 2025, Lincolnshire County Council voted (as amended) to call on the Leader and Executive to publicly oppose Government proposals to use sites in Greater Lincolnshire for asylum seeker accommodation (including RAF Scampton) and to write to the local MP opposing any such use of RAF Scampton; a Conservative Group motion moved by Cllr R Davies and seconded by Cllr T Dyer was amended by a Reform UK amendment (moved by Cllr R Gibson, seconded by Cllr P Roberts), which was carried by recorded vote 38 for / 14 against / 11 abstentions, and the motion as amended was then RESOLVED (carried), with 12 Conservative councillors recording their votes against the amended motion.
“A motion by the Conservative Group was moved by Councillor R Davies and seconded by Councillor T Dyer as follows: That that this Council calls on the Leader of the Council and the Executive to: 1. Publicly oppose any Government proposals to use sites in Greater Lincolnshire for asylum seeker accommodation.” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
“An amendment by Reform UK, moved by Councillor R Gibson, seconded by Councillor P Roberts had been submitted as follows:” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
“5. Request the Leader to write to the Lincoln MP, Hamish Falconer MP, to strongly oppose the Labour Government on any proposal to use RAF Scampton for asylum seeker accommodation.” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
“Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was carried. The vote was recorded as follows: FOR: 38” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
“A vote was then taken on the Motion, as amended. RESOLVED That this Council calls on the Leader of the Council and the Executive to:” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
“Councillors Brockway, Carrington, Cawrey, Davies, Dyer, Hill OBE, Kendrick, Martin, Roe, Taylor, Vernon and Woolley requested that their vote against the motion, as amended, be recorded.” Minutes, 12 September 2025 ↗
11. At Environment Scrutiny Committee on 13 February 2026, members questioned the council's stance on solar panels on County Council properties in the context of the new Environmental Policy (which scrapped the obligatory 2050 carbon-neutrality target and the Green Masterplan); officers confirmed that no actual estate/decarbonisation projects, including the solar programme, had been scrapped, and the Executive Councillor said the administration was not opposed in principle to further battery storage/solar installations (only restricted on farmland).
“the administration was not opposed in principle” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“Officers also acknowledged that currently no actual projects had been scrapped.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“It was further queried what stance was being taken towards solar panels on County Council properties and whether battery storage would be adopted to supplement solar installations.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
12. Three days before the Council motion, at Growth Scrutiny Committee on 9 September 2025 the Executive Councillor reiterated the administration's opposition to RAF Scampton being used for asylum accommodation, framing it as an 'illegal migrant holding centre' and noting the Council had already written to the Secretary of State pressing to unlock the site for economic use instead.
“The Council had written to the Secretary of State urging acceleration of plans to unlock the RAF Scampton site’s economic potential.” Minutes, 9 September 2025 ↗
“The Executive Councillor reiterated the call for local MPs to reaffirm their pledge that Scampton would not be used as an illegal migrant holding centre.” Minutes, 9 September 2025 ↗
13. The Executive on 3 February 2026 recommended, and the budget framework it put to full Council for 2026/27 included, a 2.9% council tax increase made up of a 2% element for Adult Social Care. Full Council approved the budget and council tax on 20 February 2026, setting the County Council element of council tax for a Band D property at £1,673.01 for 2026/27.
“the County Council element of the council tax for a Band D property at £1,673.01 for 2026/27 contained in the appended Budget Book (Appendix A – County Precept 2026/27)” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
“The level of council tax for 2026/27 proposed in Table F of “the Update” and shown in supplementary Appendix G of “the Update” including the increasing of council tax in 2026/27 by 2.9% inclusive of 2% for Adult Social Care, supported by the consideration of the Equality Impact Analysis contained in supplementary Appendix H of “the Update”” Minutes, 3 February 2026 ↗
14. The Executive on 3 March 2026 set the 2026/27 Adult Social Care provider Usual Cost rates for residential, nursing, high dependency, learning disability, mental health, physical disability, 1:1 and Community Services care with effect from 1 April 2026. Officers told the Executive the uplift comprised a 4.1% increase in staffing costs (reflecting the National Living Wage rising to £12.71) and a 3.8% inflation forecast applied to non-pay cost components, part-funded by a £2.2m ASC Fair Pay Grant, with the higher 2026/27 rate partly making up for the 2025/26 inflation assumption having been lower than actual inflation.
“That the rates set out in Table 1 in paragraph 2.6 of the report be approved as the Council’s Usual Costs for both new and existing Older People individuals in respect of residential, nursing, and high dependency care with effect from 1 April 2026 for the year 2026/27.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“It was noted that the inflation assumption underpinning the 2025/26 fee rates had turned out to be lower than actual inflation, so an element of the higher rate for 2026/27 was to make up for that difference.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“It was noted that the uplift would be applied from 1 April 2026, and that all proposed rates would include a 4.1% increase in the staffing cost elements reflecting the increase to £12.71 of the national living wage, that a 3.8% inflation forecast applied to the non-pay components of the rates, and use of the £2.2m ASC Fair Pay Grant.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
15. The Executive's report noted Lincolnshire's care fee rates were among the lowest in the country even after the 2026/27 uplift, with 98 providers responding to that year's fee consultation, a much larger response than usual, and rates adjusted based on that feedback.
“It was noted that price reviews were carried out annually, and the process would generally commence around November. It was noted that this year 98 providers had responded to the consultation, a much larger number than usual, and rates had been adjusted based on that feedback.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“it was noted that the rates that were set were not always the rates which were actually paid and in terms of benchmarking, Lincolnshire was amongst the lowest in the country, with rates being around 15% lower than the national average.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
16. The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee on 3 September 2025 considered a report on eligibility criteria and assessment processes in Adult Social Care. Members queried the means tested capital threshold for care charges, £23,250, noting it was not inflation adjusted, and officers confirmed no change to that threshold was expected because national proposals for a cap on care costs had been repeatedly paused by successive governments, so Lincolnshire's charging policy was not altered.
“Officers noted the Council has a duty to fund eligible care for individuals with assets below £23,250. It was also noted ‘top-up payments’ applied only where a more expensive placement than the Council’s usual rate was chosen by the individual or their family” Minutes, 3 September 2025 ↗
“Members queried the means tested threshold of payments, citing concerns that it was not inflation adjusted. Officers advised that national proposals for a cap on care costs have been repeatedly paused by successive governments and as such no changes to the £23,250 threshold are expected in the near term.” Minutes, 3 September 2025 ↗
17. An Executive Councillor Decision Report (reference I037556, decision due 13 May 2026) proposed to cease Lincolnshire County Council's buildings-based short breaks and emergency respite service for adults with a learning disability, delivered from two council-owned properties, Swallow Lodge (North Hykeham) and Cedar House (Spalding), and replace it with places purchased across up to 12 residential and nursing care locations. The rationale given was that the buildings were not purpose-designed for the service, required ongoing unbudgeted repair and fire-safety investment (Swallow Lodge was temporarily closed in 2024 after failing fire safety standards), and that a dispersed model offered wider geographic coverage and care closer to home.
“In 2024, both Swallow Lodge and Cedar House were assessed as failing to meet the required fire safety standards, leading to the temporary closure of Swallow Lodge to undertake remedial works, and necessitating ongoing increased staffing to ensure safe evacua tion procedures.” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“The proposed changes to current arrangements are as follows: • To cease provision at the existing delivery locations. • To commission both planned short breaks and emergency respite services at existing and established care homes offering residential and nursing care services, offering a broader geographical spread of locations across the County” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“The Council commissions Making Space to deliver buildings‑based short breaks and emergency respite services for adults with a learning disability from two Council‑owned properties: Swallow Lodge (North Hykeham) and Cedar House (Spalding). Both services are currently contracted to Making Space, with contractual arrangements for each in place until 31 August 2026.” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“Approves the undertaking of a procurement process to commission planned short breaks and eme rgency respite service s within established, registered residential and nursing care settings, inclusive of twelve (12) beds at up to twelve (12) locations, for an initial period of three (3) years” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
18. The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee considered the Short Breaks Re-Commissioning Plan on 29 April 2026, ahead of the Executive Councillor's decision on the future of Swallow Lodge and Cedar House. Members queried what would happen to the potentially decommissioned facilities and a number of members recorded that they would not support the proposals, though the Committee resolved to pass its comments to the Executive Councillor rather than block the recommendation.
“A number of members expressed concern regarding the proposals and wished it to be noted they would not vote in favour.” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
“The report was introduced by Martyn Parker, Assistant Director for Community Protection & Commissioning, who provided a detailed context to the Re-Commissioning Plan and its relation to the future feasibility of Swallow Lodge and Cedar House. It was also noted that the decision would be taken by the Executive Councillor.” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
“Members queried arrangements for potentially decommissioned facilities though officers noted this would be decided at a later date.” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
“That the Committee supports the recommendation to the Executive as detailed in the report; 2. That a summary of the Committee’s comments be passed to the Executive for its consideration ahead of their decision.” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
19. Lincolnshire proposed ceasing the Best Start Lincolnshire: Inclusion Service, a non-statutory early years inclusion service for ethnic minority children commissioned in April 2023, at the end of its contract on 31 August 2026. Officers told the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 March 2026 that the contract's £129,536 value would not be ring-fenced for another service, while universal services through family hubs and children's centres remained available to all children.
“the report proposed that the service was ceased at the end of the contract on 31 August 2026” Minutes, 6 March 2026 ↗
“The Head of Service – Children’s Strategic Commissioning confirmed universal services through family hubs and children’s centres were available to all children” Minutes, 6 March 2026 ↗
“the monies would not be ring-fenced for another service, but would be considered within the County Council’s overall funding priorities.” Minutes, 6 March 2026 ↗
20. Lincolnshire also moved to end the standalone Edge of Care Service contract with Safe Families on 30 June 2026. The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee heard on 24 April 2026 that national reforms, particularly the Families First for Children Pathfinder and family hubs, had produced a strengthened, centralised family help model which had reduced the need for a standalone service.
“the Edge of Care Service was currently delivered by Safe Families, with the contract due to end on 30 June 2026” Minutes, 24 April 2026 ↗
“national reforms to children’s social care, particularly the Families First for Children Pathfinder and family hubs, had aided the development of a strengthened, centralised family help model which had reduced the need for a standalone service” Minutes, 24 April 2026 ↗
21. Lincolnshire's scrutiny and audit committees recorded a home to school transport transformation built on route optimisation, contract changes and a new Panacea e-auction purchasing system to reduce contract costs; no change to transport eligibility or charging was recorded in the period.
“A new Dynamic Purchasing System using the Panacea e-auction platform was introduced, which enabled operators to bid competitively in real time and helped to reduce contract costs” Minutes, 23 March 2026 ↗
22. Lincolnshire County Council's Executive on 3 February 2026 proposed creating a £4 million Highway Improvement Fund in the 2026/27 budget to target drainage issues and potholes on the highway, alongside a £0.5 million Community Fund, and members welcomed the additional funding.
“It was also noted that paragraph 3.6 of the Update proposed the creation of two new reserves, to provide a £0.5m Community Fund to provide funding for local community projects and a £4m Highway Improvement Fund to focus additional funding to target drainage issues and potholes on the highway.” Minutes, 3 February 2026 ↗
“Members welcomed the £0.5m Community Fund which would enable local members to bring forward local projects and the additional £4m to tackle drainage issues and potholes.” Minutes, 3 February 2026 ↗
23. Full Council on 20 February 2026 approved the 2026/27 revenue budget, service revenue budgets and capital programme set out in the Budget Book.
“4. approves: 4.1 the changes to the revenue budget following the Final Local Government Finance Settlement contained in the appended Budget Book (Table 1 – Summary Revenue Budget) 4.2 the service revenue budgets for 2026/27 contained in the appended Budget Book (Table 2 – Net Service Revenue Budget” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
24. A Conservative amendment to transfer a further £10 million from the Volatility Reserve to the highways maintenance budget for 2026/27, focused on permanent repairs and preventative maintenance, was put to a recorded vote at the same meeting and fell.
“1. £10 million is to be transferred from the Volatility Reserve to the Highways Maintenance budget for 2026/27. 2. Expenditure focuses on permanent repairs and preventative maintenance.” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
“a recorded vote was taken on the fifth amendment by the Conservative Group. Upon being put to the vote the amendment fell.” Minutes, 20 February 2026 ↗
25. As the Waste Disposal Authority, Lincolnshire County Council was not eligible for the government's New Burdens funding for Simpler Recycling but committed 9.6 million pounds of its own to waste infrastructure upgrades to meet its statutory duty to accept segregated food waste, and by April 2026 its waste facilities were confirmed to be accepting food waste.
“It was noted that waste facilities were now accepting food waste” Minutes, 23 April 2026 ↗
“The Waste Disposal Authority (LCC) was not eligible for this funding but had committed £9.6m towards waste infrastructure upgrades in order to meet the statutory requirement to facilitate disposal.” Minutes, 24 June 2025 ↗
26. Despite the county's own disposal readiness, county scrutiny recorded in February 2026 that three of Lincolnshire's district waste collection authorities would not meet the 2026 food waste collection rollout target, with officers confirming those districts would only join in October-November 2026, after the deadline; officers attributed the earlier delay to a vehicle procurement shortage created by districts all buying at once.
“Members queried if all Lincolnshire District Councils were on track to meet the 2026 food waste collection rollout target; officers explained three districts would be delayed due to lacking the necessary vehicles.” Minutes, 27 March 2026 ↗
“Officers confirmed it would be in the period of October to November of 2026.” Minutes, 27 March 2026 ↗
“the delays were caused by district councils attempting to procure food waste vehicles in a similar time frame, triggering a shortage and delaying implementation” Minutes, 16 January 2026 ↗
27. Lincolnshire County Council's own committee and Waste Partnership records contain no decision to introduce, increase, or retain a garden-waste collection charge; garden waste collection is a district (waste collection authority) function, and the only garden-waste change recorded in this council's minutes is Boston Borough Council's trial of increased collection frequency, not a charge.
“It was noted that Boston Borough Council was due to begin a trial increasing their garden waste collections over 12 months which may see an increase in tonnage for the forthcoming year.” Minutes, 19 February 2026 ↗
28. The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority did not resolve a formal objection to the government's mandatory standard-method housing targets: during its 29 April 2026 consideration of the GLCCA Housing Strategy, members recorded concerns that national housing targets were unrealistic, but the Authority went on to endorse the strategy, with only Councillor A Baxter voting against.
“Concerns were raised regarding national housing targets, which were viewed as unrealistic and potentially leading to inappropriate development.” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
“For: 10 Those voting for: Councillor T Catton, Councillor D East, Councillor P Jackson, Councillor D Nannestad, Councillor N Poole, Councillor S Shreeve, Councillor I Sheard, Councillor R Waltham MBE, Councillor N Worth, Councillor R Wright. Against: 1 Those against: Councillor A Baxter” Minutes, 29 April 2026 ↗
29. Lincolnshire County Council, the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority, delayed the timetable for its Minerals and Waste Local Plan: a consultation timetable approved in 2024 was held up by staffing matters, and on 3 February 2026 the Executive approved a revised Minerals and Waste Development Scheme timetable running from March 2025 to December 2027.
“That the revised Minerals and Waste Local Plan timetable (as outlined in the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (attached as Appendix A to the report)) covering the period from March 2025 to December 2027 be approved.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“The Policy Manager advised a timetable for consultations was approved in 2024, staffing matters had delayed the implementation.” Minutes, 16 January 2026 ↗
30. On 3 March 2026 the Executive resolved to end the Section 75 NHS Act 2006 Agreement under which Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust had delivered the county's adult mental health social care service (ages 18-64) for over 20 years, reverting the delegated function to the Council with around 50 staff due to TUPE back in.
“service employed some 50 FTE staff who had originally TUPE’d from the Council, and it was proposed that these staff would transfer back into the County Council, as there was still a need to deliver this service.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“1. That the MH-S75 Agreement with LPFT be brought to an end as soon as lawfully and safely possible, but no later than 31 March 2027, and for the delegated function for the running of the Service to revert to the Council, be approved. 2. That, subject to completion of necessary due diligence, the Council directly provides the adult mental health social care service for people aged 18 to 64 following the termination of the MH-S75 Agreement.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
“The Executive Director for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing introduced a report which detailed the Section 75 Agreement which had been in place between the County Council and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) for the delivery of adult mental health social care services for people aged 18 – 64, for over 20 years.” Minutes, 3 March 2026 ↗
31. On 3 June 2025 the Executive approved contracting with a new Strategic Technology Partner to provide a fully managed core IT service and endorsed restructuring the Council's in-house IT function so that it leverages the external partner's delivery of core IT, cyber security and digital skills.
“The Chief Information Officer introduced a report which outlined the approach taken to execute a competitive procurement process to source a new Strategic Technology Partner (STP) which would provide a fully managed core IT service, critical cyber security provision and modern digital skills to support the provision of lean and efficient services.” Minutes, 3 June 2025 ↗
“4. That the current restructuring of the IT function which will enable the Council to leverage the full value of the Strategic Technology Partner contract be noted.” Minutes, 3 June 2025 ↗
“2. That the approach, as set out in the body of the report to contract with a new Strategic Technology Partner, be endorsed.” Minutes, 3 June 2025 ↗
32. On 8 July 2025 the Executive approved the re-procurement of the Council's Occupational Health Services contract, a corporate HR-related contract due to expire on 31 March 2026 with no further extension options, to be awarded via a four-year framework agreement.
“15 RE-PROCUREMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT The Assistant Director – HR and Organisational Support presented a report which set out a proposed course of action for the procurement of a new occupational health contract which was due to expire on 31 March 2026 and had no further options to extend.” Minutes, 8 July 2025 ↗
“It was noted that the contract would be awarded through a framework agreement and would be four years in length.” Minutes, 8 July 2025 ↗
“1. That the re-procurement of the Occupational Health Contract as set out in the report be approved.” Minutes, 8 July 2025 ↗
33. A Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee performance report recorded that the county's Highways Works Term Contract with Balfour Beatty had an extension confirmed to 31 March 2032, alongside completion of the re-procurement of the separate Traffic Signals Term Contract, awarded to SWARCO to commence 1 April 2026.
“The re-procurement had been completed, with the new contract awarded to SWARCO for commencement 1 April 2026 (initial 6-year term + up to 6-year extensions).” Minutes, 8 September 2025 ↗
“Highway Works Term Contract (Balfour Beatty): 91.6 (up from 87.2; highest to date since 2020). The contract had an extension confirmed to 31 March 2032.” Minutes, 8 September 2025 ↗
34. Lincolnshire County Council's Community Safety Scrutiny Committee discussed the Section 17 Crime and Disorder Strategy on 25 November 2025; in response to member questions, officers confirmed that community-commissioned domestic abuse support services would not be reduced as a result of the new strategy, and the Committee resolved to recommend the strategy to the Executive. The strategy was approved by full Council on 19 December 2025.
“THE COUNCIL'S SECTION 17 CRIME AND DISORDER REDUCTION STRATEGY” Document, 20 February 2026 ↗
“services commissioned to support those suffering from domestic abuse. It was explained that such services would not reduce as a result of this strategy” Minutes, 13 January 2026 ↗
“That the recommendations to the Executive as detailed on page 15 of the report be supported” Minutes, 13 January 2026 ↗
35. The Section 17 Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy that Lincolnshire County Council approved on 19 December 2025 (moved by Councillor A McGonigle, seconded by Councillor M Hasan) references initiatives to reduce violence against women and girls; at the Executive's 2 December 2025 meeting a member suggested this focus should also cover men and boys.
“the Strategy referenced initiatives to reduce violence against women and girls, but it was suggested that this should also include men and boys” Minutes, 2 December 2025 ↗
“It was moved by Councillor A McGonigle, seconded by Councillor M Hasan, that the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.” Document, 20 February 2026 ↗
36. At the Community Safety Scrutiny Committee on 31 March 2026, during consideration of the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28 update, officers told members that domestic abuse safe accommodation provision had been increased and that service needs were continuously monitored.
“Members queried if there were enough safe accommodation units available. Officers noted provision had been increased and service needs were continuously monitored.” Minutes, 31 March 2026 ↗
37. On 7 November 2025 the Environment Scrutiny Committee's work programme item confirmed the 'Green Master Programme' had been renamed 'Environmental Policy'; when the resulting Environmental Policy came to the Committee for adoption on 13 February 2026, the Executive Councillor for Environment announced the scrapping of the obligatory 2050 carbon-neutrality target, and Members objected this amounted to 'the scrapping of the Green Masterplan' with a loss of transparency.
“Consideration was given to a report which invited the Committee to consider and comment on the adoption of the County Council’s new Environmental Policy” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“highlighting key announcements such as the scrapping of the obligatory 2050 carbon neutrality target” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
“it was confirmed that the Green Master Programme had been renamed Environmental Policy” Minutes, 7 November 2025 ↗
“Members expressed concern with the scrapping of the Green Masterplan and the lack of transparency due to a lack of targets.” Minutes, 13 February 2026 ↗
38. The Audit Committee's Risk Management Progress Report on 21 July 2025 recorded the establishment of the Strategic Risk Group, which replaced the former Corporate Risk and Safety Steering Group (CRSSG), taking on responsibility for risk framework development and oversight.
“The establishment of the Strategic Risk Group, which replaced the Corporate Risk and Safety Steering Group (CRSSG), with responsibility for framework development and oversight.” Minutes, 21 July 2025 ↗
39. Rename #2: at the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 27 March 2026, officers gave a progress update on the Streets Design Code highways/design-standards project, by then renamed and now titled 'Better Streets for Lincolnshire.'
“Consideration was given to a report which invited the Committee to consider and comment on the work undertaken by the Streets Design Code project, now titled Better Streets for Lincolnshire.” Minutes, 27 March 2026 ↗